Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport an Exotissimo guide will greet you and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel. Overnight at the Metropole Hotel.

Day 2 - Hanoi (B,L)

The day commences with an insider's tour of Hanoi. Take a walking tour of this gourmet city with a specialist guide and expert on all things related to street food in Vietnam.  Your walking tour with one of the country's most well know food bloggers will lead you through local markets and through some of the city's hidden back streets.  You will have countless opportunities along the way to stop at street vendors stands and try their wares.  Learn about the customs and routines of Vietnamese cuisine, ending the tour at one of the Old Quarter's busiest coffee shops.

Overnight at Sofitel Metropole Hotel, Hanoi.  

Day 3 - Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B,L)

Drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place's other name, 'Halong on Land'.

Overnight at Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort.

Day 4 - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay (B,L,D)

Leave Ninh Binh by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board your traditional junk boat. Have lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit 'Sung Sot', one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. After sunset, enjoy dinner before retiring to your cabin for a good nights sleep.

Overnight on board

Day 5 - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)

As your boat cruises back to Halong City through the spectacular karsts and limestone rock formations, have a leisurely morning before enjoying brunch on-board.  Your driver will meet you upon disembarkation for the transfer to the airport and your flight to Danang. En-route visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of one of Vietnam's most celebrated artists. Take lunch before flying to Danang and transferring to Hoi An.

Overnight at the Nam Hai Hoi An.

Day 6 - Hoi An - Hue (B,L)

After your breakfast drive to the ancient port town of Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelours town. For lunch sample some of Hoi An's delectable cuisine at one of the town's finest restaurants. Leave Hoi An after lunch for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In Danang visit the Cham Museum, before climbing over the 'Pass of Ocean Clouds'. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue.  

Day 7 - Hue (B,L,D)

Rise for breakfast followed by a visit to the the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, take a cyclo through the 'Old City' to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax.  Enjoy lunch in Hue at one of the city's most renowned restaurants, Ancient Hue.  Following your meal depart for Khai Dinh's Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. After lunch at one of Hue's most renowned restaurants, visit Khai Dinh's Tomb then meet with a master monk at the Chau Lam Pagoda to discuss Buddhism and calligraphy.  This evening, dine at a beautiful garden house, locally known as 'nha vuon', a magical setting for dinner.

Overnight at La Residence Hotel & Spa.  

Day 8 - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Depart for Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Take a city tour from the back of a chaffeur driven classic Vespa motorbike, which will include a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum,  the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. You will explore the differeing Districts of the city, each with their own unique history and character.  This afternoon walk through the oldest quarter of the city and explore some of Saigon's best kept secrets. (driver at disposal if needed). Visit the Beaux-Arts Museum and wander through the art galleries in the area.

Overnight at the Park Hyatt.

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta (B,L,D)

Depart for the Mekong Delta, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to travel through Vietnam's picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the 'Song Xanh', modelled after a traditional sampan, the boats small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. You'll enjoy a gentle cruise from Cai Be to Sa Dec as part of a leisurely exploration of the Mekong River and its hidden treasures before gliding onto Can Tho. Overnight aboard the Song Xanh Boat.

Day 10 - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Be Floating Market, you'll take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks. After paying a visit to the colourful floating market check-out and disembark before the return to Ho Chi Minh City. Your private car and guide will be at your disposal until your transfer by private car to Ton Son Nhat Airport for international flights or a domestic extension.

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